When it comes to installing a new roof, one of the most common questions we receive here at Charlotte Roofing Specialists is when should a roof be installed and what kind of weather conditions are optimal. After all, installing a roof during perfect weather conditions isn’t always possible. Perhaps there is a problem with the roof during the winter, and it needs immediate attention. You can’t exactly put that new roof off for another several months now, can you? While there are more desirable times to install a new roof, that isn’t the question. The question is, can roofing be done in cold weather? Here is what you need to know about winter roofing.
Can A Roof Be Installed During The Winter?
Absolutely. There is nothing wrong with installing a new roof during the winter. Now, there are often additional precautions to a winter roof installation in order to ensure safety and to make sure the roof is installed properly. This can extend the length of time for which it takes to complete the job, but when we get down to it, you can definitely install a roof during the winter months.
Now, chances are, if you are considering a winter roof installation, you are doing so for one of three reasons: you’re looking to save money, it’s the only time that fits into your schedule, or you have no choice.
You might be considering a winter roof installation because you believe it to be the off-season and are hoping to save money. First, yes, it is the off-season, so roofers will not be as busy. Whether or not you can save money, though it will depend on a number of factors, it doesn’t hurt to give us a call to find out how we can help you get a desirable price for your new roof.
The second option is it is the only time you have available to install a roof. If that is the case, then we will make it work.
Lastly, you have no other choice. It means you have roof damage, and you are in desperate need of replacing the current roof. The last thing you want to do is put off installing a new roof for several months, as this will only increase the potential of additional damage to your property. We can help you avoid all of these problems by doing a winter roof installation.
Roofing Installation Slow Down
As we mentioned above, installing a roof during the winter will more than likely take longer. For starters, we have additional safety gear to wear and install during this time of the year. Roofing conditions are less than perfect, and oftentimes, the roof becomes more slippery the colder the temperature is. All of this will slow down the entire installation process, so it might take a few more hours (or even bleed over into an additional day, depending on the size of your roof).
The slowdown doesn’t only happen because of the additional safety equipment installed around your home and on our crew. The slower weather will affect power tools as well as the nail gun. A nail gun is powered by an air compressor. When air is released into the compressor system, it will convert some humidity into water. If the temperature is below freezing, the water is more likely to freeze, which cuts down on the air that drives the nail. This can result in underdriven nails. When this happens, it may be necessary to manually complete driving in the nail using a hammer.
The entire purpose of using a nail gun is to speed up the process, but if the crew needs to hammer in even a small portion of the nails, it will draw out the process. This is why, if possible, it is best to attempt a winter roofing installation when the temperature is above freezing, although this is often difficult to forecast ahead of time.
Lastly, there may be an issue with the shingles being installed. Asphalt shingles are by far the most commonly used shingles. The majority of these shingles have a sealant that will activate when the temperature is above 40 degrees. It is actually why installing shingles during a warmer day can speed up the process. The shingles will quickly adhere to the installation surface. When the temp is below 40 degrees, the shingles must be manually activated, which again is going to take longer.
It Can Be Done
In the end, yes, you absolutely can have a new roof installed this winter. Ideally, it would be done with a temperature above 40 degrees, but even if the temperature is below this, we will make sure everything is installed correctly. Prior to the installation, we will go over everything that will take place during the roof installation, as well as the possible timeline for the completion of the roof. We want to make sure you are completely satisfied with your roof installation, so we will also go over not only the timeline and price points but we will also go over the different kinds of roofing options you have available. Whether you want traditional asphalt, slate, timber, or aluminum, there is a roofing option for you.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Are you interested in installing a new roof? Maybe you want to know more about the kinds of roofing options there are, the costs, benefits, and what would work best for your home and budget? Or perhaps you’d rather focus on repairing your current roof and maintaining it so it will last long into the future. Whatever roofing needs or concerns you might have, if you have questions about your roof, or you want to begin the process of prepping and installing a new roof, all you need to do is give us a call here at Charlotte Roofing Specialists. From winter roofing installations to summer maintenance, we can’t wait to hear from you.